Changes for Next Year...
 

This about the cars. Not The Event ;)
This is for discussions about the set-up you ran with this year. Mainly about the suspension, Wheel dimensions and tires used. Of course for ideas list the make model you used. Engine mods can be listed, IF they were a drastic performance enhancement. Otherwise keep the engine mods simple, Stock vs. Ported, N/A vs. Turbo, ect.
If you are a previous attendee, then what did you run before. How did the changes made benefit or hinder the performance for this year.
Then based on all that, what do you plan to do differently for next year.

I just started this thought at the end of the work day, and will add my info tomorrow, gotta have something to do at work right?

I have run the same FC turbo since 2006.

This year I ran a Miata. Lol. I still have not torn into the FC to find out what happened, but it ran great in the past.

The only changed I have made that affected my experiences were this-

-one year with cheap duals catback
-next year with an Apexi N1 EVO
Wow what a difference. The spool up was much faster, which is key when you stay in the same gear almost the whole time.

-2 years with staggered 17" wheel/tire combo. 235's up front, 255's in back
-1 year with BBS vert wheels, 225/50's all around
Holy SHIT! The difference in handling was insane. With the staggered fit, the car wanted to push, and having no PS, she would fight me the whole time. After every run I would seriously have Popeye forearms. Having a matching width front to back made the car much more neutral and controlled. Stuck like glue!!

Hop this helps!

Ya man, exactly what I am looking for! This is really more of a discussion to try to keep interest going.

I have run my 85'GS since 2006
2006- only thing done was my motor was rebuilt just in time and hit breakin miles on the way there. Mild Streetport. I couldn't really feel a difference, very little power increase.- at that time damn near stock
2007- not alot done, changed tire brand to Sumitomo, I really like them, I noticed a difference right away in AutoX. Made a difference in the Dragon.
2008- Suspension Tech springs, bushings, Re-Speed strut bar, same Sumitomo tires, But got the RB intake with Holly and the full RB exhaust. That was my best set-up ever!
2009- GSL-SE Suspension Swap, Suspension Tech big fat front Sway and Rear Adjustable (Which I set for Understeer and It Is Totally Worth It!) It takes something serious to kick the ass end out of it ;) For the 14" rims, I went with the Sumitomos again, BUT, was in a rush, ordered the the wrong type, So I normally order the HTR Z (I or II) but somehow got the reg. HTR. My tires this year were HORRIBLE! But didnt realize till I got there. They Screamed so bad and traction was damn near non existent The combination of a seriously stiff suspension and bad tires sucks.

So for next year, all I am changing is getting the right damn tires! They have done great in the past, and looking forward to see the difference on the 14" and with the sway bars.

2007 - Drove the red touring LT1 FD - 350ci (friend drove his '89 GTU), R1 lip, RB side skirts, VS style spoiler
2008 - Drove the black R1 rotary FD - nearly stock w/ PowerXS IC, PFC, Koyo Radiator, 3'' exhaust (friend drove his '89 GTU)
2009 - Drove the '89 GTU after buying it from my friend.
2010 - hope to drive the LT1 FD again, 383ci, FEED wide body, shine auto lip spoiler, '99 lip, suspension...

2010 - I'm hoping that my blk FD will be ready and debut it at DGRR :)

This year was my first year in attendance. What a great time! I had expected to make a few changes to my suspension when I got there (ride height, damper setting, toe, tire pressures) pretty much like I used to for autocross events. However, when we got down there we drove through the Dragon on our way to the resort, and the car handled to damned perfectly I never changed a single thing. Seriously, I can't imagine anything that would have made the car stick any more than she did. She was a very happy car. :)

Respeed front hollow swaybar
Respeed coilovers 275 Lb. springs with Illuminas
Respeed adjustable rear perches 150 Lb. springs with Bilsteins
ISC Racing adjustable rear bar
Respeed camber plates
Sumitomo HTR 215/50/13 on 13X8 rims
Sterling carb

I had a great time harassing the RX8s that were out there. "Its just an fb, he can't possibly keep up with me". :)



.

^don't remember you harassing me :)

Lol! I haven't laid eyes on that car in about 7 years!!!

So if you do bring back the LT1, where there any changes you made to it, based on the first time running it?

Kentetsu- Gotta love those Sumitomo's on the dragon!, but like I said, try the HTR Z's they were even better!

LOL! I know.. I haven't sat in it in like 5 years..

You were already behind me! :rofl:


Yeah, the Sumi HTRs actually do a pretty nice job for the dirt cheap price. I usually go through one set per year between autoX and daily driving. I'd consider a more expensive tire, but there isn't much of a selection in 13". Besides, they'd have to be a hell of a lot better than the Sumis to justify what would probably be at least twice the cost...

Changes for next year include a fuel system that doesn't clog every 1000 miles, an FE 6-spd, higher revs, more boost, better alignment, and hopefully being able to run the dragon with the pack as opposed to the following day in the rain :rofl:

As for the suspension, I'll be o nthe same c/o's but I've since removed the rear sway bar and added 1/16" toe out in the rear which helped turn and traction alot.

I'm hoping to actually be there next year :rofl:

By then, hopefully I'll have an engine in the new car (shooting for S5 n/a engine with electric 6pi and VDI) and a 5lug swap with decent suspension and a good set of wheels and tires. If that doesn't work out, I'm sure it'll still be a blast in my shitty sport model (if it can make it there :rofl:)

[QUOTE=Kentetsu;89711]
I had a great time harassing the RX8s that were out there. "Its just an fb, he can't possibly keep up with me". :)



I can confirm that. In fact, I think he's quoting me.

Oh, so I was harassing you then. I get it now. :driving:

[QUOTE=Redhawkjrt;90091]:001_005: That was a heck of a lot of fun chasing you down the mountain. You should have been there for the midnight run on Saturday (no traffic). Can't wait until next year...

Setup for the last two years has been RB springs/sway bars, tokico blue dampers, Sterling 465CFM carb, RB dual exhaust, and Sumitomo HTR 200 Tires. Poly bushings were put in everywhere before this years event and really made the car tighter and more direct. I had a staggered tire setup on the car which made it very twitchy on turn in, which made me very nervous. Next year I plan to have some Hankook ventus R-S2 tires on for some more stick, along with the new 14X6.5" wheels. Maybe get the ambition to have them painted before I leave so they look good. Will be saving for the RE-Speed rack and pinion kit. I've been trying to but every time I have the money something comes up and takes it. When I get my tax return next April/May I will either A: Have the car painted B: Rebuild and BP the engine or C: Overhaul the suspension with RE-Speed bits. Which one depends on how much I get back and where I feel the priority is.

Last year was my first year, and i loved it... it almost felt as being in Rotary wonderland... For next year i expect to have installed a bigger turbo (to put me at least close to the big guys), new bushings, new endlinks. As for tires i don't know yet... I liked how the Good Years Eagle GT's handled, so i might stick with them with the stock rims... I'm hoping to have 17's or 18's in before then...

I hear ya on the Re-Speed rack kit! Really been looking into it for awhile. But I dont know if I would know how to drive my car without the wonder steer! LMAO!

OK, last time I took the Ol' FB out, the steering is seriously getting loose and shaking now. So Look out Billy, Gonna have an order coming your way real soon! I guess 4 years of tearing up the Dragon has finally taken its toll!

2005 was the Vert, lots of fun with a completely stock worn out suspension.
2006 was the Turbo with news tires, shocks, springs, bushings after 5 years...
2007 was the Turbo with front strut bar added,
2008 was the Turbo with rear strut bar added.
2009 was... opps, I was at VIR.
2010 changes will be making the event! :icon_tup:.

2007: Turbo II BNR stage 3, fmic, stock suspension, crap tires
2008: Turbo II BNR stage 3, fmic, Tein flex coilovers, crap tires
2009: 10AE BNR stage 3, Haltech (ran much better!), Tein flex coilovers, crap tires
2010: 10AE same setup, finally got smart and got decent tires, BFG Gforce Sports!

2007 - was 2 months into the project
2008 - sitting at home touching myself wishing I was @ DGRR
2009 - homebrew alignment, no cornerweighting, rear sway, 313 rwhp, new Azenis RT615
2010 - better alignment, cornerweighted, remove rear sway, 6-spd, 15lbs boost hopeful for 400rwhp, and plan on running on toyo RA1's

I think I already resonded, but I don't think it was with any humor. Very excited for 2010

2005: 93base - stock all but downpipe and catback - most fun I ever had in 12 years of ownership driving my car.
2006: repeat - addicted to the dragon
2007: repeat - last fun drive :driving: - sold it before the next weekend
2008: Mazda3 - fun socializing - not driving :(
2009: Borrowed the 1986 PreProduction RX-7
2010: Anyone have a 3rd gen that needs exercise on the dragon? :driving:

Holly

If I have the FD finished by then and the FB finished I would be willing to let you drive my FD. But that is a long shot having everything done by then.

That would be soooooo much fun Dave. Elizabeth and I could take over the FD :)

2005: couldn't go because of work
2006: fresh TII swap, Mustang wheels with staggered tires, several mods
2007: same set up
2008: BBS vert wheels, Apexi N1 EVO catback, wow what a difference
2009: epic fail outside Chattanooga, continued on in the Miata
2010: FC will return!*

* as long as the wife lets me go. At that point I will have a 3-4 month old baby!

Congrats!!!

I've started making calls and such and meeting with someone today for lunch to discuss about DGRR 2010! I'll have a date set in next couple of weeks.

PHIL

Thanks Phil!

Great to hear there is progress on DGRRX (as I am calling it :) )

Waiting to hear the location as well.

Hmm... Not a bad name..

DGRRX

regarding location... I'm waiting for response from both places..

Pending how things go, next year's DGRR might be more like 1st 2 DGRR.. Ill let you guys know when I confirm things.

08- drove charles sa death trap full se suspension and a 12a peppy and drove like a go cart
09- drove my fb storm trooper blew the tranny thursday so was afraid to romp on it after we fixed that also had carb issues so not much power
10- new motor, better trans now, better tires can't wait

08-S5 Vert overheated, and was in terrible shape, so i didn't go.

09-S5 Vert still not finished due to lack of money to buy parts in time for the event, I was THIS close to going.

10-New Car, 87 TII: Full exhaust, Lightweight 16x7 Meshies, DTSS.

2007 - 89' black N/A With a bunch of goodies done. It was fairly loud if
you remember. She ran good on the dragon.

Sold the 89' N/A back in 07'. Need the money while starting a
business.

2010 - Bought a 94' Chaste White. Was Bone Stock with 60k miles.
Doing a refresh right now. Got Married this year. So I made
a mid goal for spring. I'm hoping I'll still have some money
left for new tires for DGRR.

I really want to see everyone this next year. I can't wait for the event!

Blew the motor at the end of August. Currently saving for a rebuild. 99% Probability I won't make DGRRX. BAH!! oh well car will be tip top for DGRR11

06 Drove the Dragon for the first time in the REPU. Instant addiction.

07 Blew the REPU on the Dragon, blew a coolant hose and smoked the motor.

08 New motor in the REPU, Fun to be at the Dragon again.

09 Motor getting tired, time for a new one again in the REPU

10 New Motor will be installed in time to be broke in before the Dragon.

DGRRX Update:

I'm waiting to hear back from Fontana and NVNC.. Its their off season and they have weird hours.

I've locked down Fontana Dam parking lot we were at this year. I just have to give them a date and the are going to close it down just for us :)

I'm also thinking about the shirts and now looking for DGRRX Sponsors.. If you or you know of a vendor who wants to sponsor next years DGRRX, Please contact me..

Phil

Sweet!!

2010 will be the 5th year for DGRR. Sweet!

Am waiting on the GT300 kelvar hood to arrive at the house this week .I`ll post some pictures of the new paint, and carbon fiber mirrors and hood, Waiting on digo-r bride seats too.

DGRRX Update:

I finally got an email from NVNC.. the "NEW" manager is suppose to call me later today.. I'm telling ya, they change management once a year... at least :)

I'm still waiting to hear back from Fontana.. But if all works out with the conversation with NVNC, it will be yet again, at NVNC...